engraving character into our children
DESCRIPTION
Desired character is likened unto an engraver who knows the outcome of what is being sculpted and works on the block of wood until his goal is reached. Such is the work of parents who chisel into and out of until people can clearly see Jesus Christ in their lives.TRANSCRIPT
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1
A “good name” is the quintessential of every Christian.
While far from
perfect,
Christians are
commanded to
strive for it.
Therefore you shall be perfect, just
as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48
Faithful
Christians
understand the
value of
character:
it is priceless.
A “good name” is the quintessential of every Christian.
While many scoff, ridicule, and mock
at Christian ideologies, God Himself
will exalt you if your character – the
very essence of who you are –
is engraved into the image of His
son.
Engraving Character (‘a good name’) is of the utmost
importance
A deliberate, accurate, and
thorough employment in
raising our children is
necessary to create an
imprint of our Savior into their
lives.
And He is the radiance of His glory
and the exact representati
on of His nature…
Hebrews 1:3
Engraving Character (‘a good name’) is of the utmost
importance
The seriousness
of this endeavor
is manifested by
faithful and
diligent
parenting.
Engraving Character (‘a good name’) is of the utmost
importance
The fruit of your
labors seen in the
lives of your
children will
further refine
our own character
as God’s children.
Important to engraving character: getting rid of sinful
behavior.
Chisel out
their desire to
lie and
deceive.
The wicked are estranged
from the womb; They go astray as soon as they
are born, speaking lies.
Psalm 58:3
Important to engraving character: getting rid of sinful
behavior.
Chisel out: talking back, disrespectful tones when speaking,
rolling eyes, grumbling,
etc.
The eye that mocks a father And scorns a mother, The ravens of the
valley will pick it out, And the young eagles
will eat it.Proverbs 30:17
Important to engraving character: getting rid of sinful
behavior.In the process
they are able to fill the void with
godly characteristics: addressing and
speaking to others respectfully,
fulfilling their obligations with excellence and
maturity.
Knowing the desired outcome of your children. Lk. 2:51-52
Chisel into them the practice of joyful obedience. 1 Jn. 5:3Chisel into them an expectation of excellence in everything they do. cp. 2 Pet. 1:5Chisel into them a heart of a servant. Jn. 13:14-15NOTE: as parents we need to set forth an example of these virtues if we are to chisel these Christ-like virtues into our children.
Character through trials and tribulations.
Toil, pain, and
difficult trials
are the
necessary
ingredients for
character
growth.
We also exult in our
tribulations, knowing
that tribulation brings
about perseverance;
and perseverance,
proven character; and
proven character,
hope.
Romans 5:3-4
Character through trials and tribulations.
Through these trials and tribulations children learn the virtuous quality of perseverance.
In turn, perseverance brings about proven character.
Test their character and “reward” them according to their deeds (good and bad). Gal. 6:7-8
Foundation for engraving character: Bible study & Memory
verses
When a child
has a problem
with forgiving
others.
Col. 2:13
Foundation for engraving character: Bible study & Memory
verses
When a child is
spoiled; always
wanting
“things”.
1 Jn. 2:15
Foundation for engraving character: Bible study & Memory
versesEnhancing roles:
training daughters
to become
virtuous wives
(and sons godly
husbands).
Proverbs 31:10-31
Foundation for engraving character: Bible study & Memory
verses
Training the
concept and
mindset of
obedience.
Eph. 6:1-3
One of the quickest ways to learn about ourselves comes through
parentingWe may find that we may lack the very behavior we expect from our children.
In this way we either live by a double standard (cp. Matt. 23:1-4) or refine our character so that we can be godly examples to our children. Eph. 6:4
The end result: having children in the express image of our
Savior.
All the necessary time, energy,
diligence, perseverance in
“training up your children in the
way they should go” is nothing
more than an act of genuine
love.
The end result: having children in the express image of our
Savior.
When children
are trained up in
the Lord they
become a
blessing to their
parents.
Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, And our daughters as corner pillars
fashioned as for a palace.Psalm 144:12
The end result: having children in the express image of our
Savior.When Christian
families are
engraving
character into
their children,
God’s name is
magnified among
the Gentiles.
“For from the rising of the sun even to its setting,
My name will be great among
the nations...”Malachi 1:11
Conclusion
Engraving character
into your children
may be the most
difficult task you
ever do as parents.
The fruit of your
labors, however,
will last an eternity.